Acquisitive Minds: Bobby Allen
Director of acquisitions, FilmFour
- How would you rate the quality of the film product today?
"There are fewer and fewer good films that aren't pre-bought, because the market is really heating up with more competition among buyers."
- What is the impact of the Internet on your business?
"It has had a big impact on information gathering and tracking projects. Gossip sites like (Ain't It Cool News), databases like IMDB and having access to the daily trade like Variety really make a difference.
"As far as the new market players like InternetStudios, FilmBazaar and FilmFinders, each seems to have a different idea about how they are going to work, but it's going to come down to which has the best information. I think there really is a market for it, but these companies are going to duke it out for the next year, and ultimately one will emerge as the victor.
"We can trust the information we are gathering ourselves, but with the Web sites, there's always a question in the back of your mind about their reliability, so I tend to cross-reference."
- What is your advice on keeping cool in a bidding war?
"Don't get hot. You should never be upset if you say no to something that goes on to be a hit for someone else, but you should be really upset if you buy something that loses money for your company. So if you're not 110% sure, don't buy it."
- What is your favorite dealmaking spot in Cannes?
"Le Comptoir de Vin, a wine shop with a small restaurant in the Cannes backstreets."
